[The knowledge, clinical control and attitudes of Primary Care physicians when dealing with epileptic patients. Preliminary findings]

Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy is a common disease with important social and economic repercussions. Patients with epilepsy have traditionally been discriminated by both the general population and physicians. A physician's lack of knowledge about epilepsy could be the cause of an incorrect clinical control (CC).

Aims: The purpose of this study is to examine the origins of the knowledge, the CC and the attitudes of physicians in Tenerife with respect to the treatment of patients with epilepsy.

Materials and methods: In January 2003, all Primary Care physicians in Tenerife were given a questionnaire that asked them about their knowledge, CC and attitudes when dealing with cases of epilepsy. Of the 260 surveys initially sent out, 182 were returned.

Results: The questionnaire was answered by 70% of doctors, of which 34 were paediatricians and 148 were general practitioners, with no differences between sexes. Most physicians acquire their knowledge, observe and treat their first seizure in the Faculty and during their period of hospital residency. 44% of them are barely or not at all satisfied with their knowledge on the subject. The most highly valued therapists are neurologists and neuropaediatricians. The goal that is sought is to eliminate the impact of the disease on the patient's quality of life. They rarely establish or modify antiepileptic treatment and state that they have doubts about neuropsychological disorders and integrating patients with epilepsy in the workplace.

Conclusions: The physicians in Tenerife define themselves as professionals with scant knowledge about epilepsy and feel they are poorly qualified to treat patients with the disease, who are usually referred to specialists in Neurology.